Evans CR2 Tumbler Cleaning

We have been running 2 Evans CR2 tumblers for almost a year now, but we have had a few problems with them in that they would stall and stop without warning.

We followed the instructions to the letter regarding oiling and cleaning but that still did not sort out the problem.

Eventually the machines were returned to the manufacturer for repair and they seemed fine after we got them back, but then the old problem arose again.

I spoke to the manufacturer again and it was during this conversation that I learned something vital relating to the cleaning and oiling process.

He told me that the idle shaft, the non driven shaft should have some play in it, meaning that you should be able to move it back and forth when its fitted, our had no movement at all and the shaft was very stiff indeed so it was effectively acting as a brake.

The manufacturer told me how to remove this shaft and how to clean it properly, information that didn’t appear in the instructions.

This is what I learnt from him:

At the opposite end to the motor box is a mounting flange, you need to gently pull this backwards which will allow you to pull the shaft out along with the bearing:

Removing the tumbler idle shaft from the main chassis

Once you have the shaft removed pull the bearings off each end, they may be difficult to get off so a squirt of WD40 helps with this:

Pull the bearing from the shaft

Once you have got the bearing you may well find a lot of muck on the end of the shaft, this needs to be thoroughly cleaned as must the inside of the bearing as well.

Once you have done this put a good bit of oil into the bearing and then refit the shaft.

We find we need to repeat this process on a fairly regular basis to keep the machines running properly

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Comments

    • Jay
    • February 6, 2016

    Hiya Dave
    Thanks for the fast reply 🙂
    I think I have visited that site but will have a look anyway just in case so thanks for the link.
    Ive had an idea regarding the tumbler which is why I need a plastic one.
    I think a rubber one will not work for my plans, Ill have to look into it as you pointed out
    they are much quieter.

    Thank you for the kind comments regarding my glass engravings 🙂 I do enjoy doing them and plan to do more as soon as I finish this little project lol

    Cheers again dave

    Jay

    • Dave
    • February 6, 2016

    Hi Jay,

    as far as I am aware they don’t have a web site, however, we bought our from Manchester Minerals, you can find it on this page: http://www.manchesterminerals.co.uk/acatalog/Tumbling_Machines.html, I would advise buying rubber barrels as they are a lot quieter than plastic barrels and seal better too.

    BTW your engraving work is really nice

    Cheers

    Dave

    • Jay
    • February 5, 2016

    Great info and advice!
    Im thinking of getting one of these can you post the details of the manufacturer please
    do they have a website?

    thanks

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